If you’re craving a meal that dances on your taste buds with a perfect harmony of spicy, creamy, and comforting flavors, look no further than this Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe. It’s a vibrant twist on classic fried rice that transforms everyday ingredients into an irresistible dish packed with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a rich, tangy sauce. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and exciting. You’ll soon see why this recipe has become a personal favorite to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From fluffy jasmine rice to the zing of sriracha, every component elevates the dish in its own special way.
- 3 cups cold cooked jasmine rice: Using day-old rice ensures the fried rice stays firm and doesn’t get mushy during cooking.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced: Tender chicken provides a hearty protein base that soaks up the spicy sauce wonderfully.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying ingredients evenly and achieving that slight crispiness.
- 2 large eggs: They add a luscious, scrambled texture to the mix for extra comfort.
- 1 cup frozen peas and diced carrots: These veggies bring vibrant color and a hint of sweetness that balances the spice.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Fresh onion slices add brightness and a subtle pungency to finish the dish.
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Creamy and tangy, mayo is key to the signature “Bang Bang” sauce’s luscious texture.
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce: Sweet and spicy, it enhances depth and complexity without overpowering the palate.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (more to taste): Adds a fiery kick that can be adjusted to your heat preference.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: A dash of umami saltiness that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced chicken breast and cook it until each piece is beautifully golden and cooked through, sealing in juicy tenderness. Once ready, remove the chicken and set it aside—this step ensures the chicken gets perfectly seared and keeps it from overcooking later.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Using the same skillet, crack in the eggs and scramble gently until they’re just set. This creates a silky, soft texture that will blend seamlessly with the rice. Remove the eggs and add them to your cooked chicken on the side—this keeps everything separate until assembly.
Step 3: Sauté the Veggies
Next, add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and stir fry the frozen peas and diced carrots until they’re just tender but still have a good bite. This helps maintain the vibrant pop of color and texture, adding freshness to every spoonful.
Step 4: Crisp the Rice
Now it’s time to bring in the star: the cold jasmine rice. Add it to the pan with your veggies, breaking up any clumps with the back of your spatula. Let the rice sit undisturbed for a bit so it crisps up slightly, giving you delightful bits of texture that contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Eggs
Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the skillet, mixing everything together. This step unites all the components and prepares the base for that incredible Bang Bang flavor sensation.
Step 6: Whisk the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and soy sauce until fully combined. This unique sauce is the secret to making this fried rice special, offering a kick of heat balanced by creamy sweetness and umami.
Step 7: Toss Everything in Sauce
Pour the sauce over the rice mixture and stir well, coating every bit in that luscious, bold sauce. Cook just until everything is heated through, so the flavors meld together perfectly.
Step 8: Add Fresh Green Onions and Serve
Finish by sprinkling sliced green onions over the top. This not only adds a fresh botanically sharp flavor but also a lovely burst of green color, making the dish as inviting to look at as it is to eat. Serve it hot and enjoy the vibrant flavors!
How to Serve Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe even further, garnish with extra green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a wedge of lime for added brightness. These small touches can add wonderful freshness and a subtle crunch that enhance every mouthful.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a main course but pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed bok choy, a crisp cucumber salad, or even a light miso soup. The key is complementing the bold, spicy flavors with milder, refreshing accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe inside crispy lettuce cups or stuff it into bell peppers for an eye-catching presentation. You can even pack it into bento boxes for a flavorful lunch that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Presentation invites people to indulge, so have fun with it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe keeps well for up to three days, making it perfect for quick meals when you’re short on time without sacrificing flavor.
Freezing
While fried rice is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the rice gently in a skillet with a splash of water or oil to bring back its freshness and avoid drying out. Microwave works in a pinch, but stirring occasionally will help the heat distribute evenly and prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use rice other than jasmine?
Absolutely! While jasmine rice is ideal for its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture, you can substitute with basmati or long-grain rice. Just make sure the rice is cold and a day old to prevent mushiness when frying.
Is the Bang Bang sauce very spicy?
The sauce has a nice balance of sweet, creamy, and heat, but the spiciness mainly comes from the sriracha. Adjust the sriracha quantity to your heat preference—start small, and add more as you like!
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and maybe add tofu or extra vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for protein and texture. The Bang Bang sauce remains just as delicious with veggies.
Why is it important to use cold rice?
Using cold, day-old rice prevents it from becoming mushy when fried. Freshly cooked rice has more moisture, which causes clumping and sogginess; chilling it dries it out slightly for better texture.
Can I prepare any part of this recipe ahead of time?
You can dice the chicken and chop vegetables ahead, and even whisk the sauce in advance. Just keep components separate and combine when you’re ready to cook for a quicker assembly.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe is the kind of dish you can’t help but smile over while eating—and eagerly share with those closest to you. Its vibrant flavors, clever blend of textures, and speedy cooking time make it a staple worth keeping in your recipe arsenal. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bring a little bang to your next meal time!
PrintBang Bang Fried Rice Recipe
Bang Bang Fried Rice is a flavorful and quick dinner recipe that transforms day-old jasmine rice into a crispy, saucy dish packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and scrambled eggs. This easy stir-fry combines a spicy, creamy sauce with fresh green onions, making it a perfect meal for those craving bold and satisfying flavors in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 large eggs
Vegetables
- 1 cup frozen peas and diced carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced
Rice
- 3 cups cold cooked jasmine rice
Sauces & Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Scramble the eggs: Using the same pan, crack the eggs directly into the skillet. Gently scramble them and cook until just set, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the eggs and add them to the cooked chicken.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Sauté the frozen peas and diced carrots until they are just tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Crisp the rice: Add the cold jasmine rice to the skillet with the vegetables. Break up any clumps with the back of a spatula and let the rice crisp up slightly to add texture, cooking for about 4-5 minutes.
- Combine chicken and eggs: Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the skillet, mixing them evenly with the rice and vegetables.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and soy sauce until smooth and well combined.
- Add the sauce and finish cooking: Pour the sauce mixture over the rice, chicken, and eggs in the skillet. Stir everything thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients with the sauce. Continue cooking until the dish is heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle sliced green onions evenly over the top. Serve the Bang Bang Fried Rice hot for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Always use cold, day-old rice to prevent the fried rice from becoming mushy and to achieve a crispy texture.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level to your preference.
- You can substitute the chicken breast with tofu or shrimp for variation.
- Mayonnaise in the sauce adds creaminess and balances the spicy and sweet flavors.
